As if I needed any more excuses to get on the G&Ts…
Hayfever is one of the most irritating things someone can suffer from. It irritates eyes, blocks noses and scratches throats. It makes enjoying great summer weather almost impossible.
However, according to a recent study, instead of stockpiling on antihistamines gin could actually be the answer.
Although it has been proven that alcohol can worsen symptoms of hayfever and asthma, Asthma UK has revealed that a switch to “mother’s ruin” could actually be better for you than other boozy drinks.
Dark Spirits can worsen symptoms
Over 64 percent of asthma sufferers claim that alcohol can make their allergies worse due to two triggering chemicals: histamine and sulphites.
These chemicals are usually found in darker, fermented beverages such as red wine and beer. Therefore, a boozy lunch is often off the cards for hayfever sufferers.
However, clear spirits may help
According to Asthma UK, clear spirits such as gin and vodka, which have a relatively low histamine content could help symptoms. Although sipping on a G&T won’t cure your symptoms altogether, it may be the best option if you want to drink in the summer months.
Gin in particular, due to its distillation process, doesn’t have any sulphites unless the brand chooses to amp up their recipe. Vodka drinkers could choose Absolut Vodka as they have recently revealed that their products are free of sulphites too.
However, if you do have a craving for a glass of wine though, it’s best to opt for low-sulphite wines.